Page 3339 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 October 2006
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The seniors card is another means by which the government promotes an active and healthy lifestyle for older people. A seniors card provides cardholders with discounts at approximately 470 businesses in the ACT and is accepted by a number of businesses interstate. By giving something back to older members of the community the seniors card scheme aims to improve the quality of life for older people by increasing their spending power and enabling seniors to increase their participation in community life. Local businesses offer seniors cardholders benefits ranging from discounts on hotel accommodation, cafes and restaurants to discounts on dental services, tyres and repairs for their cars and discounted entry to cinemas, museums and a host of other attractions and activities.
ACT government benefits for ACT cardholders include special rates for ACTION bus travel during off-peak periods, all day on weekends and public holidays; discounts on ACT dog registration through ACT shopfronts; a 10 per cent concession on the registration component of privately registered motor vehicles; and a $35 subsidy towards the purchase of spectacles through a provider of your choice. This subsidy is available every two years. The benefits to older people individually and to our community of reducing the demands on health and associated care services are understood and appreciated by the government.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing for the work they have put into producing this very high quality report and providing it to the government for consideration. I also thank them for taking the time today to come to the Assembly and listen to the government’s response. The council has an important role in promoting positive ageing and I am grateful for the members who volunteered their expertise and time to research and write this report.
The report provides valuable advice and information that will contribute to the development of policy and programs affecting older people in the ACT, not just this year but for many years to come. I look forward, as the minister for ageing, to working with the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all Canberra seniors.
Paper
Mr Corbell presented the following paper:
Legislation Act, pursuant to section 64—Heritage Act—Heritage Regulation 2006—Subordinate Law SL2006-45 (LR, 11 September 2006), together with its explanatory statement.
Antisocial and criminal behaviour
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received letters from Mr Gentleman, Ms MacDonald, Ms Porter, Mr Pratt, Mr Smyth and Mr Stefaniak proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Mr Pratt be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
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